Destination weddings (like the one we attended in Mexico two years ago) will set you back a bunch more.

And if you're in the wedding? Forget about it! Between the dress, hair, nails, shower, shower gift, and bachelorette, you could easily spend $1,000 before the big day.

So I'm wondering:

Is it every okay to say (to yourself), "I've spent an arm and a leg just to get here! I'm not forking over another hundred (or two or three hundred) more on a gift!" Is it ever appropriate just to give a heartfelt card? Would you ever give a significantly cheaper gift (say, a $25 toaster) if you'd spent a ton on a wedding before it even happened? Brides-to-be: Would you be insulted if a guest didn't bring you a gift?